Page 5 of Dead and a Best Friend
"Oh," I muttered, still distracted by the sudden voice in my head.
"Turn around, babe, and let me see the rest of you."
"I'm going crazy," I muttered.
"Join the club." Lionel patted my hand.
"I'll get your order." As I turned and dashed to the safety of the counter, I noticed one of the businessmen undressing me with his eyes.
“Nice tits.”
My eyes snapped wide open, then narrowed on the asshole. His gaze turned into a frown as I dashed into the back office, Bernie on my tail.
"What on earth has gotten into you? I thought the doctor said everything was fine."
"He did. I am fine. Just a weird kind of day." I took a deep breath and smiled. "I really am fine."
"If you say so."
I ignored Bernie. "I'll prepare Lionel's sandwich. Would you mind making his English tea?"
Bernie eyed me as I headed into the café and began making Lionel's sandwich. Once it was ready, I set it aside.
Out of the corner of my eye, I kept watch on the businessmen. I was almost certain that one of them was trying to get my attention. No more weirdness came my way. I wasn't even sure what had happened before.
"Would you mind taking these to the three detectives? I must pee," Bernie whispered before darting into the back.
I was desperate to peek at the men, but I behaved myself and collected the tray Bernie had indicated. A huge—albeit nervous—part of me wanted to be in their presence to figure out what was going on in my head.
Thank goodness my head stayed quiet as the three detectives watched me approach. I mean, it was nuts, right?
"Hi there. I'm Tallulah James, the owner of Coffee Bean. I haven't seen y'all in town before."
"We're working with your sheriff. I'm Detective Lane,” he pointed. “And these are Detectives, Riley and Hodges," he introduced.
"Sheriff Kendrick is a good man. It was nice to meet y'all."
Lionel's order was ready, so I took it over to him. I sat down opposite him, so he had some company. Bernie placed a sandwich and a glass of ice water in front of me. "Boss's orders," she said, winking.
"Your man is looking after you." Lionel's eyes sparkled with amusement. "It's about time he went after what he's wanted for a long time."
I narrowed my gaze. “How did you know that, but I didn't?"
"I notice a lot in my old age."
"You're not that old. I mean, you have a girlfriend."
He grinned. "Oh, I have no trouble getting it?—"
"Don't finish that sentence," I interrupted, fearing what he was about to say. I most certainly did not want that image in my head.
“Oh, Tallulah, what I wouldn't give for you to be my daughter!”
"Did you say something?"
Lionel frowned and finished chewing his sandwich. "Like what?"
"It doesn't matter.” I frowned.
